Fierce debates continues to rage over EU tobacco policy
By Martin Banks Critics of upcoming legislation claim that the EU is trying to “expand” regulatory control over tobacco and nicotine products.
Archives
-
EUROPE
December 5, 2025 -
EUROPE 
December 5, 2025 Tribute paid to much-loved journalist
By Martin Banks Warm tributes have been paid to Hans de Bruijn, a long-time stalwart of the media scene in Brussels, who has died, aged 75.
-
EUROPE
December 5, 2025 Cheers: Audrey’s wine labels go down a treat
By Martin Banks The art of wine labelling is often overlooked in the desire to find that perfect bottle, one that matches quality with affordability.
-
HISTORY
December 5, 2025 5 December 2025: This day in history
771: Charlemagne becomes the sole King of the Franks after the death of his brother Carloman 1349: 500 Jews of the Free Imperial City of Nuremberg are massacred during Black Death riots, part of a wave of pogroms across Western Europe 1456: Earthquake strikes Naples, killing an estimated 35,000 people 1848: US President James K. […]
-
EUROPE
December 4, 2025 Statement by Federica Mogherini, Rector of the College of Europe.
By Martin Banks “Regarding the procedure to establish the European Union Diplomatic Academy, yesterday I clarified my position with the investigators acting on behalf of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.In its long tradition, the College has always applied and will continue to apply the highest standards of integrity and fairness.
-
ENVIRONMENT
December 4, 2025 Campaign groups welcome move on deep-sea mining
By Martin Banks Campaigners have welcomed a decision by the Norwegian Parliament to stop all plans for deep-sea mining in Arctic waters until the current parliamentary period ends in fall 2029.
-
EUROPE
December 4, 2025 Christmas concert at city’s cathedral
By Martin Banks Christmas is coming and that means the annual festive concert at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels.
-
HISTORY
December 4, 2025 4 December 2025: This day in history
1534: Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent occupies Baghdad 1563: Council of Trent holds its last session after 18 years, the last ecumenical council for more than 300 years Famous and historically inaccurate painting of the English Pilgrims and Native American Wampanoag gathering and sharing a mealThe First Thanksgiving 1619: Thirty-eight colonists from Berkeley Parish, England, […]
-
WORLD
December 3, 2025 Rare global attention firmly focused on Sudan’s disastrous conflict
By Martin Banks Recent events have led to fresh calls for the U.S. and its Arab allies should step up efforts to halt the carnage.
-
EUROPE
December 3, 2025 Six of the best for the festive season
By Martin Banks You might be craving for Christmas and its comforts.
